The event was the first nationwide gathering of artists in Angono, Rizal, the Art Capital of the Philippines hosted by Master Nemesio Miranda, renowned national artist. Rev. Jerome Castillo, a pastor of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP), together with seven other local artists won over 300 entries. “We never expected to win, in fact, when we viewed our painting, morag
w a l a y ka art-art, kung ikumpara sa uban,” Castillo said smiling. (We never expected to win, in fact, when we viewed our painting, it was nothing compared to the other entries.) But what was nice about it was that every art enthusiast who viewed our painting would become teary-eyed and we even heard some say, “this must be the champion.” The people were unanimous in their choice so we eventually bagged the grand prize for the interactive mural painting,” the young pastor related. In the 2 x 2 category, they did not win but somehow, what happened was enough to make them winners. Four paintings of Pastor Jerome were bought by famous TV personality Boy Abunda which are now included in his vast art collection. “I felt lucky since out of the hundreds of paintings on exhibit, he chose my works and even asked if there were more,” he humbly related. What made it more meaningful was Castillo’s winning the on-the-spot painting contest, earning for himself the coveted Nemiranda’s Choice Monday, March 12, 2012
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